WNBA union has money problem with viral Sophie Cunningham meme

Sophie Cunningham pointing at DeWanna Bonner has become one of the most recognizable images in the sports world in recent weeks.However, the WNBPA is stopping business partners from utilizing the image.Sports business reporter Darren Rovell shared Monday that the WNBPA is prohibiting business licensees from using the Cunningham point, with the union reportedly calling it “derogatory.”Licensed brands with the union include 2K, Breaking T, Lids, and Panini, among others.Despite the union’s decision on the matter, Cunningham can monetize the incident herself, even with brands that are partnered with the union, since players can individually sign sponsorship deals with any brand.

The union’s group licensing agreement with all WNBA players allows brands to license athletes’ name, image, and likeness without direct negotiation with individual players, but if the union does not approve a deal, players can sign brand deals on their own, separate from the union. At the moment, it’s not clear whether Cunningham has been or will be working with any brands to monetize the viral image separately from what the union allows.The WNBPA did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.The incident occurred on June 24 in a matchup between the Mercury and Fever during a tussle following a confrontation between Bonner and Caitlin Clark.Cunningham and Bonner were teammates on the Fever for a brief period last season before Bonner returned to Phoenix last July. Cunningham hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the moment, including at UFC 329 as a guest ring girl.

Many celebrities and fellow athletes have recreated the image on social media, and even the White House posted a video referencing it in late June.The Fever are currently 16-10 and in sixth place in the WNBA standings after a win over the Liberty on Saturday....